The Beard After a Hair Transplant

Hey Dr.,

I’m coming in for about 1000 grafts next month. I do have a slight concern, however. I’ve seen pictures of this “beard” effect, in which you can noticably tell there is a dark area where there has been transplants. How long is the beard usually visible? Would it be as drastic with just about 1000 grafts in the front?

Thanks.

The beard effect you talk about is from the short transplanted hairs that are visible immediately after the hair transplant. It usually lasts one to four weeks before it sheds. It is not readily detectable if you have other hair to cover it, but if you are a class 6 (completely bald) obviously you cannot hide it. I would then suggest that you clip it short or let your facial hair grow out as this will detract from your head viewing. If you already have facial hair (a beard or mustache) shave it off for the shock value and it’ll draw less attention to the top of the head. This works very well.